Haribabu gives Vizagites a wake-up call

Visakhapatnam:BJP AP unit chief, Kambhampati Haribabu, contesting for the Vizag Lok Sabha seat, is set to face political heavyweight, YSRC honorary president, Y.S. Vijayalakshmi.

During an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Haribabu sends the message: “Wake up Vizag”; and to vote for an educated local candidate who will be accessible to citizens round the clock.

How can you say that public opinion is in your favour?
During my campaigning I felt that the public was looking for a local leader accessible to them at all times and who can aptly represent their issues in Delhi. They are also of the opinion that the BJP-led NDA is going to form the government and a BJP MP from here can act as a bridge between Vizag and the Union government.

You are using ‘Wake up Vizag’ and ‘being local’ as your poll planks. Does the local factor really have an impact in these polls?
Vizagites had this bitter experience due to electing outsiders and non-locals in the last two elections. Vizag is the only big and important city in divided AP. That’s why am saying ‘Wake up Vizag’ and vote accordingly.

What are your plans for Vizag?
In undivided Andhra Pradesh, people were looking at Hyderabad for education, business, jobs etc. I wish to make everyone look to Vizag for opportunities in the coming days in the new state. With the help of the Centre, we can make Vizag a tourist destination. My goal is to achieve at least Rs10,000-crore worth IT exports in the next three years from Vizag.  I will also ask bigwigs of the film industry to set up studios and other facilities, which would also provide jobs to locals.